LETTER: When guns are gone, crime rises

Published: Monday, February 18, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 6:15 p.m.

Dear Editor: If you are not going to support every part of the Constitution I would suggest you find a country more suitable to your liking, maybe England or Australia, where they have stricter gun laws. But let me advise you of the facts. Those countries have statistically higher rates for some types of crimes than the United States. Yes, the United States has a lot of violent crime with guns. However, the facts would seem to suggest that when people are unable to defend themselves, the crime rate does indeed increase.

I have heard this statement made lately, “Too many irresponsible, mentally unstable people still buy guns with malice and murderous intent. They are the primary homeland security threat to society.” Oh, you mean the criminals that do not obey laws, no matter how many you make? There are already hundreds of laws that deal with firearms in the United States. Can you name me just one that criminals obey? Law-abiding citizens obey all of them when carrying a defensive weapon.

Another inaccurate statement is, “It’s clear that the right to bear arms increases slaughter.” More inaccurate, made up facts! Look at Mexico, Look at Venezuela. Guns are outlawed for law-abiding citizens. Look at their murder rates. Look at Chicago, Look at New York, Look at Washington, D.C. All have very strict laws for law-abiding citizens. Yet they have some of the highest gun crime rates in the country! So how does anyone believe that these magical congressional laws are going to change anything? Until Congress appoints a police officer or a member of the military to assure my safety 24/7, I will do it myself. And it is my constitutional right!

<p>Dear Editor: If you are not going to support every part of the Constitution I would suggest you find a country more suitable to your liking, maybe England or Australia, where they have stricter gun laws. But let me advise you of the facts. Those countries have statistically higher rates for some types of crimes than the United States. Yes, the United States has a lot of violent crime with guns. However, the facts would seem to suggest that when people are unable to defend themselves, the crime rate does indeed increase.</p><p>I have heard this statement made lately, “Too many irresponsible, mentally unstable people still buy guns with malice and murderous intent. They are the primary homeland security threat to society.” Oh, you mean the criminals that do not obey laws, no matter how many you make? There are already hundreds of laws that deal with firearms in the United States. Can you name me just one that criminals obey? Law-abiding citizens obey all of them when carrying a defensive weapon.</p><p>Another inaccurate statement is, “It's clear that the right to bear arms increases slaughter.” More inaccurate, made up facts! Look at Mexico, Look at Venezuela. Guns are outlawed for law-abiding citizens. Look at their murder rates. Look at Chicago, Look at New York, Look at Washington, D.C. All have very strict laws for law-abiding citizens. Yet they have some of the highest gun crime rates in the country! So how does anyone believe that these magical congressional laws are going to change anything? Until Congress appoints a police officer or a member of the military to assure my safety 24/7, I will do it myself. And it is my constitutional right!</p><p>Joe Hubka</p><p>Moundville</p>